Well done indeed, Fellatio. I am now imagining MNHQ running around madly keeping up with us all, and trying out the recipes.
I think my tree must be themed "Jewels of the Orient with a touch of Ottoman empire and Byzantium"
I am going to make an alternative wreath this year, but it will use fresh things from the garden, and be in the shape of a five pointed star. It will go up second week end in December. I'm also making a new skirt for under the Christmas tree, i bit complicated because I had to make a pattern first from an idea I saw on the internet. It will be two layers, one in velvet and the top one in crystal chiffon, and they are lightly padded. I will do some embroidered and beaded motifs on the top layer.
webwiz, I'm sorry your FIL had indigestion, but I'm glad the mince pies were enjoyed!
Stitch this, the only vintage things I can think of are transforming old things into something new, so old jewellery can be made into tree decs, I have seen old brooches and pendants used. Also I have made things from old chandelier crystals. You can find oddments at flea markets and so on, and you can give them a good wash and polish, use jewellers wire to attach pieces together, and make 'crystal drops'. They really sparkle in the tree lights.